As the NHL season heats up, Washington Capitals fans are in for a treat as they get to tune in to Joe B and Locker for an extra game this season. Monumental Sports Network will broadcast the Capitals’ game against the New York Islanders on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 12:30 PM. This announcement comes after the NHL revealed on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, that both Monumental Sports Network and TNT will air the matchup, which was initially exclusive to TNT.
The timing of this broadcast change is significant, as it aligns with Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of history. The Capitals' captain is just four goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the all-time record, which has already led to adjustments in the Capitals’ schedule and network rights. Fans from all corners of the hockey world are eagerly tuning in to witness this historic moment.
In fact, five of the Capitals’ final eight contests of the regular season will now air on Monumental Sports Network. Only the games on April 10 against the Carolina Hurricanes, April 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and April 15 against the New York Islanders will remain exclusive to national networks. This shift in broadcasting rights is a clear indication of the excitement surrounding Ovechkin's quest to tie and eventually break the legendary record.
Monumental Sports Network had previously announced that Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin would be in the booth recording archival broadcasts during the nationally-exclusive games as Ovechkin approaches goal number 895. If Ovechkin manages to score the record-tying or record-breaking goal, the network plans to release video of the moment along with the broadcast team’s call and air the full coverage of the game 24 hours later. Currently, Ovechkin is on pace to tie the record on April 10 against Carolina and break it on April 13 against Columbus.
Beyond Ovechkin's milestone chase, the Capitals are showcasing a well-balanced team this season. The roster features six players who have scored at least 20 goals, with Ovechkin leading the charge with 37 goals. Pierre-Luc Dubois is just shy of the mark with 19 goals, while Tom Wilson has made his presence known with 31 goals and over 200 hits this year.
Despite their offensive prowess, the Capitals have faced questions regarding their physicality, particularly the absence of a pure goal-scoring power forward. Tom Wilson stands out as a physical player, but the team lacks another forward of his caliber. Aliaksei Protas, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 209 pounds, has contributed with 30 goals and 35 assists but has only registered 19 hits this season.
However, the arrival of prospect Ryan Leonard could change the dynamics of the Capitals’ forward group. Following Boston College’s loss to Denver University in the men’s NCAA tournament, Leonard signed his entry-level deal with the Capitals and is set to join the NHL team in Boston on Tuesday evening. As the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Leonard is one of the top prospects outside of the NHL.
Leonard, listed at 6-foot and 200 pounds, is known for his speed, skill, power, and determination. He is one of the most competitive prospects to enter the NHL in recent years, never shying away from contact and consistently battling for position in the offensive zone. His impressive statistics from his college career highlight his goal-scoring ability; he averaged over five shots on goal per game this season and scored 61 goals in just 78 games.
While Leonard leans more towards being a goal scorer than a distributor, he possesses the vision to make plays and create opportunities for his teammates. His ability to push opponents off their blue line while maintaining agility and skill makes him a valuable addition to the Capitals as they head into the playoffs.
However, Leonard’s transition to the NHL will come with its challenges. At only 20 years old, he may experience growing pains, particularly on the defensive side of the game. The NHL demands a higher level of play than the college game, and Leonard will need to ensure his defensive zone exits are timely and effective if he hopes to earn trust in all three zones.
On a positive note, Leonard’s defensive game is generally reliable. His hockey sense, skating ability, and agility allow him to read plays effectively. He has shown willingness to block shots, demonstrating his commitment to the defensive aspect of the game.
Looking ahead, Leonard's career trajectory appears promising. His unique combination of skill and determination sets him apart from many of his peers. He is expected to develop into a top-six power forward for the Capitals, with projections suggesting he could become a 30-goal scorer while delivering over 200 hits per season. As Leonard embarks on his NHL career, his addition will enhance the Capitals’ already balanced forward group, providing another layer of physicality and secondary scoring as they gear up for the playoffs.
With Ovechkin on the brink of making history and new talents like Leonard joining the team, the Washington Capitals are poised for an exciting finish to the regular season and a hopeful playoff run. Fans will be watching closely as the team navigates these pivotal moments, eager to see if they can make a deep postseason push.
